The Wholesale Group has expanded its growing CORE own-brand portfolio with the launch of CORE Sprin Water, introducing a more sustainable hydration solution for retail and foodservice customers in innovative Tetra Pak cartons.
Available from July exclusively through The Wholesale Group’s independent wholesale members, CORE Spring Water will be offered in 330ml and 500ml cartons, packed 24 per case, providing members with a versatile single-serve water solution suitable for retail, convenience, cafés, contract catering, leisure venues, grab-and-go operators and the wider hospitality sector.
Sourced from the pristine springs of Ireland, CORE Spring Water combines high-quality spring water with innovative packaging designed to help businesses reduce their environmental impact. The Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable and 88% plant based, offering operators an alternative to conventional plastic bottled water while offering members and their customers an alternative to conventional plastic bottled water while supporting sustainability objectives.
The cartons also feature a plant-based cap and neck made using polymer derived from sugar cane and a tied cap to help keep components together during use and recycling. Compared with an average 500ml PET bottle, they contain less than 12% fossil-based plastic and, according to supporting product data, deliver a 74% reduction in CO₂ footprint.
An additional advantage is that cartons are exempt from the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme. This means there is no deposit to pay and no requirement for consumers to return the packaging to a designated collection point, allowing it to be recycled through normal recycling channels.
Tom Gittins, Managing Director – Retail at The Wholesale Group, said: “CORE Spring Water has been developed directly in response to member feedback and growing demand for a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic bottled water.
“As our first own-brand water launch, it marks another important milestone for the CORE range and demonstrates our commitment to delivering commercially relevant products that help our members respond to changing customer needs.
“Advance sales have been extremely strong, giving us confidence that there is genuine demand for this type of solution, and we look forward to seeing the range continue to grow.”
Designed with both practicality and sustainability in mind, the lightweight cartons are easy to transport and store, helping wholesalers and operators maximise efficiency while reducing reliance on conventional plastic packaging.
The launch further strengthens The Wholesale Group’s CORE own-brand portfolio, which has been developed to provide practical, commercially focused products delivering quality, reliability and value for independent wholesalers and their customers.
Tom Gittin added: “For independent wholesalers, innovation has to be useful. CORE Spring Water is not about adding another water SKU for the sake of it; it gives members a relevant product with a strong sustainability story, a clear operational benefit and a format that is well aligned with the direction of travel in drinks packaging.”
More information is available at www.thewholesalegroup.co.uk